Tracing the remnants of China's imperial past, we discover the magnificent monuments of Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors, the imposing mosques of Xi'an, and the delightful canals of Tongli. We also have time to explore some of the exquisite landscapes and tranquil countryside of Yangshuo, so beloved by Chinese poets and painters. Visit a time capsule containing one quarter of the human race, where the modern world coexists with the ancient, and each region has its own traditions and culinary delights.

Itinerary

2Day 2Three days sightseeing, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Summer Palace, plus a visit to the Great Wall; overnight train to Xi'an on day four.

For these three busy days we will enjoy the sights and sounds of China's capital. The sightseeing will include the Forbidden City with its innumerable courtyards and temples, and the Temple of Heaven Park in the southern part of the city. We also visit Tianamen square, the largest square in the world and able to hold over a million people. Just outside the city centre is the Summer Palace, a huge park dotted with impressive pavilions and temples which, like the Forbidden City, was once the exclusive playground of China's Emperors and their concubines. We will take a walking tour of the cities hutongs (narrow alleys) to see what is left of old Beijing and its traditions.
We will also leave the capital and head into the countryside to the Great Wall, an approx 2 hour journey to the north of the city. We go to one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall at Mutianyu which is an impressive sight, snaking off across mountains and valleys into the distance. This section of Great Wall
used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. The wall here is upto 8.5 metres high and 5 metres wide, and has 22 watchtowers on its 2,250-metre-long stretch. There are some steep steps to navigate and clients who suffer from vertigo may find it difficult, (there is an optional cable car that takes you from the bottom to the wall itself). There is the option of a trip to the opera, kung fu or acrobat show one evening while in Beijing. In the 3 days in Beijing lunch is only provided on the Great Wall day (breakfast is included every day).
In the evening of Day 4 we board an overnight train to the ancient city of Xi'an. It is recommended to try and get food before the train as there is a limited selection provided on the train. The train itself is of a good standard, although please note that all facilities such as washrooms and toilets are shared with other passengers. Sleepers are four berth and bedding is provided.

Xi'an is one of China's former capitals and one of the few cities in China to have retained its city walls, probably because they are so massive that no revolutionary was willing to tackle the huge task of removing them. Today we will visit the city and the Bell and Drum Plaza at its heart, along with the Great Mosque. The Muslim quarter is a fascinating place to visit, especially in the evening as it comes alive with the bustle of the bazaars and food stalls. It is possible to hire bikes (optional) and cycle on the city walls and appreciate the sheer scale of the walls.

Today we visit the famous Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin. Originally four armies were planned, at each point of the compass, life-size and lifelike. Three have been found and it is assumed the emperor's successors decided enough was enough before the fourth was begun. The first pit excavated had an estimated 6,000 figures in its one army. The third pit has been opened to the public, which contains the 'command post' for the entire operation. This is one of China's great tourist attractions, and some people may find the sheer numbers of visitors rather overpowering.
In the afternoon we fly to Guilin.See more images and videos

This morning we walk along the Lijiang river and visit Reed Flute cave, its name comes from the reeds growing nearby, from which flutes were made. The cave is filled with a large number of stalactites and stalagmites. We then transfer by road for 2 hours through the stunning towering limestone scenery to Yangshuo. The surrounding region is famous for the steep-sided Karst Mountains that pierce the otherwise flat landscape of paddy fields. A view of a rural landscape that has changed little in centuries. Despite its small size Yangshuo has quite a good tourist infrastructure due to its large transient population of backpackers and domestic tourists. No trip to China is complete without understanding its cuisine, so this evening under the watchful eye of an expert we partake in a cookery lesson.See more images and videos

8Day 8Cycle to Moon Hill past rice terraces; free afternoon.

In the morning we jump on bikes and ride through the countryside to Moon Hill (approx 15-20kms). We walk to the top of the hill which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside typical of the region. The afternoon is free; an optional cruise on a raft on the Li River is popular.See more images and videos

9Day 9Free day.

Today is free to relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery around Yangshuo. There are many optional activities to choose from: visit the Black Buddha caves, enjoy a Chinese massage or even a kung fu class or watch the Liu Sanjie Show an outdoor performance set on a natural stage formed by the Li River and 12 peaks. Even if you choose just to relax this is an ideal place, you can take a stroll around the market and examine the local produce or enjoy one of the cafes and watch the world go by. For the more energetic, bicycles can easily be hired to explore the surrounding countryside.See more images and videos

10Day 10To Guilin for flight to Shanghai; drive to Tongli water town.

This morning we drive to Guilin and then fly to Shanghai. From the airport we drive to Tongli (approx 2 hours), a mediaeval village criss-crossed by canals and tiny bridges. This fascinating village has retained much of its original character and is frequently used as a film set. After a short orientation tour, there is free time this afternoon to wander along the canal banks or take a boat ride (optional) and soak up the atmosphere of this picturesque village.See more images and videos

Leaving Tongli we take a short bus ride of 45 mins to Suzhou. 'In Heaven there is paradise, on Earth there is Suzhou and Hangzhou' runs an old Chinese saying. Due to its strategic situation on the Grand Canal, Suzhou long ago became a place of great affluence. One offshoot of this wealth was the construction in the town of several beautiful gardens, with rich officials of the past competing with each other to produce ever more impressive displays. We visit the largest of these gardens the Humble Administrator's Garden which gives an insight into the lifestyle of China's former imperial elite. Suzhou is also one of China's main silk producing towns. From here we take the bullet train to Shanghai. Shanghai's world famous Acrobatic Troupe performs nightly and their show is well worth a visit.See more images and videos

12Day 12Morning city tour; afternoon free.

Today after a guided tour of the Bund, a museum of turn of the century architecture and a visit to the tranquil Yuyan Gardens and Bazaar, the day is free to explore Shanghai, the largest city in China, with a population of around twelve million. Though it no longer warrants the title 'Paris of the East', many of the vestiges of its colonial past are still apparent. It is worth strolling along Nanjing Road (Shanghai's 'Oxford Street') or visiting the newly opened World Financial Centre with the highest observation deck anywhere in the world at 474m or Shanghai's smaller television tower to see some of the city's stunning architecture. Shanghai's world famous Acrobatic Troupe performs nightly and their show is well worth a visit.

For those on the group flight to London the day is free day for further sightseeing or shopping.The French Quarter, an area of unchanged old Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai's most famous temple and Shanghai's various museums are many of the options available. Evening depart.See more images and videos

What's not included

Accommodation details

Hotels & Train

On this trip you will spend 11 nights in comfortable hotels and 1 night 1st class sleeper train, soft-bed berths.

In all the cities, we stay in good, tourist class hotels with twin rooms and private facilities. Nearly all the hotels are locally rated as 3 star and wherever possible located as near to local attractions as possible.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
Nearly all nationalities require a visa to enter China, which must be obtained prior to departure. The Chinese authorities now require a letter from Exodus, confirming all your accommodation details. Along with this, you need to supply a copy of your flight details, which are on your invoice if you have booked directly through Exodus. For further information see http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/travelink/China.pdf
It is also essential that we have a clear copy of the details page of your passport. This is required to book certain ground services in China and we cannot confirm your details with our local partners until it has been received. This must be emailed as an electronic scan to customerops@exodus.co.uk a minimum of 8 weeks prior to your trip.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Holiday style

This holiday is designed so that you can see the best parts of China in two weeks. There is a lot to see in the time you are there, and the distances covered are large, but everything is scheduled so that it doesn't feel too rushed. You should come armed for an experience: China can be hard work and the summer heat and the bustle of some of the cities can be a little overwhelming. That said, there are places where you can find peace and quiet.

Eating & drinking

Food is cheap in China and you can avoid the spicier regional food if you wish. Western food is readily available in the cities.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

Beijing & Xi'an: The north of China has warm (25degC+), quite humid summers, and cold dry winters. If you travel between June and August, it will be hot more or less everywhere, except in the mountains. Some rain must be expected, possibly heavy. If you travel in September/October, you will probably get less rain and the temperatures will be fairly warm (around 20degC) everywhere.

Yangshuo/Shanghai: The south of China is sub-tropical with hot (30degC), wet summers (May to September), and warm, relatively dry (November to March) winters, though rain is possible at almost any time of year.

The winter months in China are cold (+3degC), so if travelling in November/March be prepared for temperatures to drop to below freezing at night in the North, but with almost guaranteed dry sightseeing. The weather is milder in the south.

Gallery

Reviews & community

We have traveled with Exodus before, and were very happy with them. This trip is a fantastic look at several aspects of this amazing land, from famous monuments to quiet gardens and busy cities to cycle rides through stunning scenery. Be prepared for lots of travel and walking! We used public buses a train, taxis, planes,cycles and feet. There is a lot packed in in this trip, it seems longer than two week, but in a good way! Don't come on this trip if you want to relax by a pool.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were too many and of a different kind. They varied from the wonder of the Great Wall, the beauty of the country side, the variety of life and contrast between the city and countryside. Don't miss a visit to the local park where people play games and exercise communally. We have a lesson to learn I think. In addition, our travel companions were wonderful company.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader Jenny, was such a joy. She went to great trouble catering for us as we are both vegetarian. She looked after all the needs of the group and kept us safe and at ease throughout the trip. She was full of ideas for additional activities we might like to do and was able to adapt our itinerary in around changing local conditions, e.g heavy rain or public holidays. She was also well informed and very warm, as well as conscientious and professional.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

China is busy! be prepared to be patient in the face of large crowds, and sometimes bewildering bureaucracy and scanning of backpacks.
Travel light. you will have to carry your own luggage.
Be open minded - toilet arrangements may take some getting used to, in the old part of Beijing they can be communal. Take loo paper and antibacterial wipes.
Take light clothing that can be washed out and dried quickly.
You may need more money than suggested in the trip notes.
Take advantage of extra activities, we enjoyed many new things.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

In China, you are considered old at 60. I am 65 and a regular runner and gym goer, yet I was refused access to the toboggan descent at the great wall, after having queued for 25min. It seems arbitrary as no age is stipulated on the signage, only a reference to being "old and weak". Never mind eh, but be warned, this might happen if you are of a certain age.

Fantastic Tour - highly recommended for its diversity and if you want to see some main attractions alongside some lessers know China sights. Be prepared - your feet will ache as there is lots packed into these 2 weeks.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Too numberous to mention - the well know sights were awesome as were some of the less well know things we did on this packed 2 weeks....photos don't capture the smells and sounds of China that will live in my memory......

What did you think of your group leader?

Kris was great - she worked really hard for us all throughout the tour and went the extra mile to ensure that we were well looked after. We would have only experienced a fraction of the sites without this experienced native Chinese guide.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

2 weeks seemed like 4 weeks.Hectic schedule,lots to see and do.
Group of 9 plus leader,The rest of my group made my holiday.I hope I help make theirs.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Bambo raft down a river.Safe and peacefull.3 shows all excellant,light show great(bought all 3 DVDs that were on sale).Bullet train ride,shame only half hour trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Young Chinese lady(think early 30s).Very competent and helpfull.Used english name EMMA.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

1-If you cannot use chop-sticks,take plactic forks.
2-Make sure you can carry all your luggage up and down stairs.ie keep weight down.
3-Make sure you can ride a bicycle.
4-Take a small umbrella.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hoo! in China all the beds were firm(hard).God its good to be home to a soft bed.
Apart from there faces and lauguage the Chinese are just like use,even western clothes.I was disappointed.Travel broadens the mind.

Travel has always fascinated Cat and has been a big part of her life from an early age. Too many experiences to mention (some good and some bad!) but highlights would have to be a microlight flight over Victoria Falls, drinking manioc with an Amazonian tribe in Ecuador and sea kayaking in the Kenai Fjords, Alaska. Alaska sums up what inspires Cat - vast open spaces, mountains, amazing wildlife and fresh air. Her best travel advice would be always take a towel and watch out for Greek taxi drivers!

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

I'm worried about the toilets in China - what should I expect?

In cities and hotels you'll find the toilets pretty much match western standards. In the more remote areas and on motorway toilet stops, the majority of toilets will be squat toilets. It's recommended that you carry your own toilet paper as this isn't always provided at toilet stops once you leave bigger cities.

Charlotte Taylor - China Operations

What is the standard of Chinese trains?

Overall, pretty good! The overnight train will be booked in first-class sleeper A/C, sleepers are four berth and bedding is provided. It's quite a common and comfortable way to travel in China and long gone are the days of the "Iron Rooster"! You can buy drinks, beer and pots of instant noodles on board but you may wish to purchase your own food prior to the journey as well.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

What is the best way to take money to China?

The unit of currency in China is the Yuan, also known as Renminbi (RMB).

Exchange facilities are readily available in all the big cities, and many of the hotels that we stay in also have foreign exchange facilities that do not charge a commission as the banks do. Exchange facilities may be limited in smaller towns. Please note that if you wish to change RMB back into hard currency when you leave China, you may have to produce your exchange certificates to do this. Both Sterling cash and dollars are fine to take. You may want to get some local currency before travelling but it is not 100% necessary, as the leader will help you change some on arrival.

There are ATMs almost everywhere in China, either actually in or close by the hotels we use, in the major towns and cities. Most but not all ATMs will take British/ European style cards, but your leader will be able to advise you.

Charlotte Taylor - China Operations

Tips from staff who have been to China

I had no problems with cash, but then wasn't changing it in every city. I also had no problems changing or getting cash from ATMs. Sometimes you do have to try a couple of banks to find one with English instructions or which will take a western card, but it's by no means impossible. There are plenty that have, you'll just have to try another.I just changed money at an exchange desk in the airport and then in a bank in Shanghai. The lady at the counter didn't speak English but it didn't cause any difficulty!

Dollars are simply better known, but I don't think you would have any issues with sterling. I took half and half and had no problems. I also topped up with my ATM card a couple of times, which was no problem, although I did have to try a bank or two the first time to find one that accepted my card.

There was nothing special I packed which I felt was essential, just the usual. Some things which came in handy were a universal adaptor, phone charger, a sun hat, an inflatable travel pillow (just a small one), a travel wallet to keep my documents in, and after that just some music and books for entertainment!

It should be quite warm, so light clothing really. There are some items advised in the trip notes but nothing you really need to worry about, outside of normal travelling clothes.

I used free internet in a couple of the hotels and saw cafes in different places. The internet is restricted, and you may not be able to access such sites as Facebook, but you should have general access to email.

I took a normal wheelie suitcase with a handle and had no problems. You don't really carry it around anywhere, in and out of a few hotels, up and down to reception - whatever suits you best really!

I took a meter taxi from the airport. I would say tips probably aren't expected but it's up to you.

Like here, tipping is down to you but most group meals won't expect a tip. There is a list of optional excursions in all the trip notes, they are booked and paid for locally and usually in cash.

You can get different plug types but I found it was usually 2 pin straight (the first one here). If you buy a Universal Adaptor from somewhere like Boots at the airport (only about £6), then this will cover all plug types.

Diane Knight - Web Sales

Is the Chinese visa easy to get?

Regulations have recently changed, meaning you now need additional supporting documentation in order to get your visa and confirm all arrrangements.

About 8 weeks before travel you will be sent a letter from Exodus listing all your accommodation on the trip. You will need to provide this, along with a copy of your flight details (on your invoice if booked through Exodus) when applying for your visa.

It is essential that we also get a clear copy of the details page of your passport as early as possible. This is needed to book certain ground arrangements and must be sent as an electronic scan to customerops@exodus.co.uk.

Full details of how to apply are in the Chinese Visa Information Sheet which comes with your original booking confirmation. Please read this carefully. If all your paperwork is in order, your visa normally comes back within a week or so, although you should allow up to 3 weeks to be on the safe side.

Joanna Zubr - China Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

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To join in a discussion, if already a member, please sign in to your Exodus website account (not related to booking reservations) to contribute to the Forum. If you are not a member of the Exodus Community, you can register by clicking the 'Sign in' at the top of every webpage and select ‘Register’ within the drop down panel.

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